Maker: Lynne Prattley

Panel number: 237

Petition sheet number: 289

Person honouring: Mary Claridge

Relationship to maker: Husband’s great-grandmother

Rhoda was known as Mary. She was born in London in February 1861 to Jane Elizabeth Cave and Thomas Adkisson Gates.

The family emigrated to New Zealand on the Indian Empire, arriving at Lyttelton in March 1864.

She married farmer Arthur Charles Claridge at St Stephens Church, Ashburton in December 1884. Mary and Arthur had six children – the eldest a boy, Arthur, followed by five girls: Beatrice, Ethel, Catherine Ruby, Gertrude, and Jane.

She was living in Ashburton when she signed the 1893 petition. In the 1893 and 1896 electoral rolls Mary was listed as a music teacher.

Mary died in October 1922 and was buried in Ashburton cemetery.

Panel materials: Used cotton fabrics I already had. Got photo printed onto calico by professionals.